The early color change and premature leaf drop we are seeing in Southside are a direct result of the severe heat and drought stress we had this summer. To conserve water and energy, trees start shutting down their systems earlier than normal. Today I had very nice walk on the HBT. Look at how colorful everything is!
This is called a "false fall." Even though the days are still warm and long, the trees are duped into thinking they have to pull back on their chlorophyll prematurely. We'll probably have an early though spectacular foliage display this year.
The drought this year has been much more severe than the one we had last year. Where we live there's still a massive 8-inch deficit. I always feel bad for the trees when I see them leaf-ing from stress!
Nevertheless, we are out there baling a big field today. We are so blessed and thankful!